Stepping out of your comfort zone is a huge cliche, but it’s also an incredibly important part of being a successful entrepreneur.
I occasionally reflect back on my time in UVA’s MS Comm program. I always think back fondly on the friendships I made and the work that I did, but as with all academia, the translation to the real world can be hit or miss. Today I want to talk about the single lesson that, when I look back, carried more weight than any other class time we ever spent.
The $20 Challenge
It was someone’s guest lecture (I don’t even remember which lecturer, which is mildly embarrassing, but maybe one of my professors will see this post and let me know). He was talking about being an entrepreneur and the type of personality it takes to be successful. Then he put a $20 bill down on the table and said “Who wants it? Come take it.” Of course, everyone in the room looks around with expressions that say “Is he serious?” Well, he was serious, and we all hesitated.
In order to be the one who takes it, you have to be ok being a little bit uncomfortable, a little bit shameless. People are going to judge you for being “that guy” who actually took it. I know that at the time, I stayed in my seat – though I’d like to think that now, I’d be all over it.
Take the Money, or you’re not ready
Eventually, one student did go up and get it, but even he, who generally was a little bit shameless, still announced as he sat down that he’ll use it for a round of drinks for the rest of us at the bar. That statement was simply an effort to move back into the comfort zone, and hope that the crowd doesn’t judge you too harshly. As much as anything else, this tells you why our entire class had some lessons to learn before we started up a business. In order to succeed, it’s likely you’re going to have to step out of your comfort zone, and even when you decide you’ll do it, you have to do it quicker than everyone else.
There’s not much room for hesitation when you’re trying to do something amazing.
The lessons from that class, among other things, are encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone, but I’m not there yet. It still makes me incredibly self-conscious to take some of the advice from stuff like The Charisma Myth.
Strike up a conversation with a stranger
Here’s one of the author’s examples of how to stretch yourself and your charisma, and to practice being uncomfortable:
“Strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. For instance, as you wait in line at a coffee shop, comment on the pastries and then ask your neighbor an open-ended question, such as: “I’m trying to decide which is the most sinful: the muffin, the brownie, or the cake. How would you rank them?”
― Olivia Fox Cabane, The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism
I’ve done it – once. And boy was it uncomfortable. I know I still have a long way to go before I’m ready to take full advantage of opportunities, but I’m working on getting better! There are other examples, from Cabane, Tim Ferriss, and others. Ferriss’s are typically more amusing:
Relax in Public
Simply lie down in the middle of a crowded public place at some point. Lunchtime is ideal. It can be a well trafficked sidewalk, the middle of a popular Starbucks, or a popular bar. There is no real technique. Just lie down and remain silent on the ground for 10 seconds. Then get up and continue with what you were doing. Don’t explain it at all. If someone asks you about it, just say that you felt laying down for a little bit.
He has others, but you get the picture. There’s nothing wrong with this, but goodness people are going to think you’re odd. I still haven’t worked up the courage? guts? craziness? to do this particular one, but it’s always in the back of my mind for whenever I decide to go all in. For me it’ll be a good chance to know when I’m ready to start up something on my own.
Who knows where this type of self improvement will take me in the long run, but it’s going to be a fun ride.
When’s the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?
